NKT RTE High-Voltage Cable Deal Supports France’s Grid Renewal
On May 7, 2021, NKT announced a new long‑term frame agreement with French transmission system operator Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE). The NKT RTE high-voltage cable deal extends a decade‑long partnership and reinforces NKT’s role in modernizing France’s power transmission network.
Long-Term Frame Agreement Builds on 10 Years of Partnership
The new agreement builds on more than ten years of successful collaboration between NKT and RTE. Both companies describe the contract as proof of NKT’s strong presence in France and evidence of a mutually rewarding business relationship.
Under the frame agreement, NKT will supply 25 kV high‑voltage AC XLPE underground power cable systems. The package also includes installation of key accessories such as joints and terminations, ensuring complete system delivery from one provider. The contract runs from 2021 through 2023, with an option for an additional year.
Supporting RTE’s Energy Transition and Grid Modernization
Through this deal, NKT supports RTE’s plan to renew and modernize the French transmission grid. A more efficient, resilient grid will help France integrate more renewable energy sources and advance its broader energy transition goals.
NKT President and CEO Alexander Kara emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability. NKT was the first major power cable manufacturer to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative and to a net‑zero emissions pathway. Kara noted that this aligns closely with RTE’s ambition to make “the Greener Choice” in its infrastructure investments.
Retrofitting Project in Marseille and Green Manufacturing
In addition to the new frame agreement, NKT already supports RTE on a 225 kV high‑voltage retrofitting project in Marseille. In that project, NKT replaces older cables installed in steel pipes with modern armored extruded XLPE cables, which improve performance and reliability.
NKT will manufacture the power cables for both the Marseille retrofit and the new frame agreement at its factory in Cologne, Germany. This facility operates on 100% green electricity, which further reduces the carbon footprint of the cable systems supplied to RTE.
